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EPA/WATER RIN: 2040-AF14 Publication ID: Spring 2013 
Title: Effluent Limitations Guidelines and Standards for the Steam Electric Power Generating Point Source Category 
Abstract: EPA establishes national technology-based regulations, called effluent limitations guidelines and standards, to reduce discharges of pollutants from industries to waters of the United States These requirements are incorporated into National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) discharge permits issued by EPA and states and through the national pretreatment program. The steam electric effluent limitations guidelines and standards apply to steam electric power plants using nuclear or fossil fuels, such as coal, oil, and natural gas. There are about 1,200 nuclear- and fossil-fueled steam electric power plants nationwide; approximately 500 of these power plants are coal-fired. In a study completed in 2009, EPA found that the current regulations, which were last updated in 1982, do not adequately address the pollutants being discharged and have not kept pace with changes that have occurred in the electric power industry over the last three decades. The rulemaking may address discharges associated with coal ash waste and flue gas desulfurization (FGD) air pollution controls, as well as other power plant waste streams. Power plant discharges can have major impacts on water quality, including reduced organism abundance and species diversity, contamination of drinking water sources, and other effects. Pollutants of concern include metals (e.g., mercury, arsenic, and selenium), nutrients, and total dissolved solids. 
Agency: Environmental Protection Agency(EPA)  Priority: Economically Significant 
RIN Status: Previously published in the Unified Agenda Agenda Stage of Rulemaking: Proposed Rule Stage 
Major: Undetermined  Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined 
CFR Citation: 40 CFR 423 (revision)   
Legal Authority: 33 USC 1311    33 USC 1314    33 USC 1316    33 USC 1317    33 USC 1318    33 USC 1342    33 USC 1361   
Legal Deadline:
Action Source Description Date
Final  Judicial  4/28/2014 - Consent Decree deadline for Final Action - Defenders of Wildlife v. Jackson, 10-1915, D. D.C.  04/28/2014 
NPRM  Judicial  Consent Decree  04/19/2013 
Timetable:
Action Date FR Cite
NPRM  06/07/2013  78 FR 34431   
NPRM Comment Period End  08/06/2013 
Final Rule  05/00/2014 
Additional Information: Docket #:EPA-HQ-OW-2009-0819
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined  Government Levels Affected: Undetermined 
Federalism: Undetermined 
Included in the Regulatory Plan: Yes 
RIN Information URL: http://water.epa.gov/scitech/wastetech/guide/steam_index.cfm  
Sectors Affected: 22111 Electric Power Generation; 221112 Fossil Fuel Electric Power Generation; 221113 Nuclear Electric Power Generation 
RIN Data Printed in the FR: No 
Agency Contact:
Ronald Jordan
Environmental Protection Agency
Water
Mail Code 4303T, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW.,
Washington, DC 20460
Phone:202 566-1003
Fax:202 566-1053
Email: jordan.ronald@epamail.epa.gov

Jezebele Alicea
Environmental Protection Agency
Water
Mail Code 4303T, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW.,
Washington, DC 20460
Phone:202 566-1755
Fax:202 566-1053
Email: alicea.jezebele@epamail.epa.gov